Akinola Davies Jr’s acclaimed debut feature, My Father’s Shadow, will begin streaming on Netflix on September 21, following its cinema runs in Nigeria and internationally.
Set against Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, the film follows two young brothers as they spend a rare day in Lagos with their estranged father. As they move through the city, the boys encounter both its energy and the political and economic pressures shaping their father’s life.
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù stars as Folarin, alongside real-life brothers Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo. The film was co-written by Akinola Davies Jr and his brother Wale Davies.
My Father’s Shadow premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it became the first Nigerian film selected for the festival’s Official Selection, and received a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or. It opened in Nigerian cinemas on September 19, 2025.
The film has since built an impressive awards run, including the 2026 BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. At the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, it recorded five wins: Best Movie, Best Score/Music, and Best Sound Design. It was also recognised at the Gotham Awards and British Independent Film Awards.
After its successful cinema and awards run, My Father’s Shadow now heads to Netflix on September 21.
